Pennsylvania Moth Control

What are Moths?

Moths are a scale-covered winged species of flying insect found throughout Pennsylvania.

Moths have a lot in common with butterflies. The Pennsylvania pest control experts at Viking Pest explain butterflies and moths both start in the egg stage, then progress to the caterpillar or larvae stage, and finally pupate, with butterflies forming a chrysalis and moths forming a cocoon. While there are over 160,000 species of moth worldwide, only 131 moth species are known to live in Pennsylvania. The most challenging Pennsylvania moth pests include the Indian meal moth who feasts on pantry staples, the common clothes moth who chews textiles and woolens, and more recently, the gypsy moth who in the larvae stage chews leaves and devastates oak woodlands and other wooded areas of Pennsylvania.

How to Identify Moths

Viking Pest’s certified entomologist, Craig, explains meal moths have a distinctive black band that divides the front of the wing from the back of the wing. They typically grow to about 3/4 inches when at rest. Their larvae range from off-white, brown, green, to pink. Pennsylvania clothes moths are smaller. When the wings are folded back, they can range from 1/4 inch to half-inch long and generally tan or beige. The adult clothes moths are easily identified by their narrow wings covered in hairs. Gold in color, clothes moths avoid light and seek refuge in dimly lit environments.

What Problems Can Moths Cause for Pennsylvania Home and Business Owners?

Pennsylvania clothing moths chew on textiles, woolens, carpets, and rugs. Local PA exterminators at Viking Pest state these moth pests also feed on keratin, so even furs, stoles, and skins are on the menu. The meal moth in Pennsylvania feeds on common pantry items, such as flour and beans. Residents must be on the lookout for these moth pests, as food contaminated with moth feces and silk cocoons pose potential health risks, such as allergic reactions and intestinal ailments. The final and perhaps most challenging pest to eradicate, without the assistance of PA pest control experts at Viking Pest, is the gypsy moth. In the caterpillar stage, these moths cause extreme defoliation and tree mortality in Pennsylvania woodlands.

When Are Moths Active in Pennsylvania?

For clothing and meal moths, warm Pennsylvanian summers provide the most hospitable environment for these moth species to thrive. Gypsy moths lay their eggs on trees, stones, and wood pilings during June and July, as stated by the local PA pest control experts at Viking Pest.

How to Prevent Moths in Pennsylvania

Prevention is key when it comes to minimizing the risk of a moth infestation in Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania pest control experts at Viking Pest advise moth prevention steps you can take to reduce the chance of an infestation in your home or business. Clothes moths prefer dark, undisturbed spaces such as closets or wardrobes. The PA pest control experts at Viking Pest recommend rotating your clothing at least once a month to prevent moths from laying eggs in your favorite cashmere sweater or linens. Frequent vacuuming of carpets and baseboards is advised. As well, pack away seasonal items in sealed containers. Gypsy moths pose a real problem in homeowner yards and exteriors. Each summer and fall, survey your property for egg masses. These tan-colored masses each contain between 400-600 eggs and can be found on tree trunks and rocks. If egg masses are found call the local Pennsylvania pest control experts at Viking Pest. Our certified pest management professionals are trained to properly identify moths and their egg masses.

Viking Pest Can Help Control and Prevent Moths in Pennsylvania

Viking Pest offers expert treatment designed to effectively and efficiently control and prevent Moths from invading your home or business in Pennsylvania. Call Viking today for your FREE and NO OBLIGATION estimate at 1-800-618-2847 or schedule online today!

Protecting Your Home or Business From Moths in Pennsylvania With Viking Pest Control

Viking Pest offers expert treatment designed to effectively and efficiently control and prevent pests from invading your home or business in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Delaware. Our use of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques focuses on finding the core of the pest concern and controlling Moths in Pennsylvania from the source. Through IPM, pest control materials are selected and applied in a manner that minimizes risks to human health, pets, and the environment. Call Viking today for your FREE and NO OBLIGATION estimate at 1-800-618-2847 or Schedule Online today!